A council raised a flag to honour the bravery of men and women from both world wars.

The Red Ensign was flying proudly at Three Rivers District Council’s offices in Rickmansworth yesterday as part of the Seafarers ‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’ campaign.

Three Rivers was just one of 700 councils to hoist the flag and raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.

Dr Steven Halls said: “We are raising awareness by flying the Red Ensign to recognise all Merchant Navy seafarers, whether it be those we have lost through the ultimate sacrifice or those currently working hard to service the UK.”